After going scoreless versus the NorthPort Batang Pier last Friday, Baser Amer made the best possible response two nights later.
Though he shot just 7-of-18 from the field, the 6-foot point guard produced 22 points and helped the Meralco Bolts complete the comeback from 16 down and shock the NLEX Road Warriors, 108-105, on Sunday evening.
Amer’s outing was highlighted by his end-game heroics, as he scored six straight points – a three-point play first, before a booming wing triple in the final 13.2 seconds – to turn a three-point deficit in the Orangemen’s favor.
“Napunta lang sa’kin yung bola kaya tinira ko na,” admitted Amer, who also had seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
“Struggle yung shooting ko from last game pero nandun yung tiwala ng teammates at coaches ko.”
“I know he didn’t have the best game last game. The team just tried to encourage him and tell him you’re a good player, you’re one of our best players, just shoot the ball and have confidence. That’s what he did,” said Allen Durham.
Amer’s performance couldn’t have come in a more appropriate time, as another loss would have sent the Orangemen – who have appeared in the last two Governors’ Cup Finals – to the brink of elimination from the playoff race.
Now, the Bolts have improved their record to 2-6, and have kept their flickering playoff hopes alive.
“Of course, malaking bagay ‘to sa’min kasi anim na talo na eh, ang bigat na sa katawan,” said the product of the San Beda Red Lions program. “Last four games na lang kami eh, so para sakin di na namin titignan yung standing.
“Yung last four games, look to win kami tapos bahala na kung ano mangyari.”
